Do I need a visa for the UK after Brexit?

No visa needed for US citizens visiting the UK for up to 6 months. The UK is no longer part of EU rules, so UK time doesn't count toward your 90-day Schengen limit.

What if I want to stay longer than 90 days?

You need a long-stay national visa or residence permit from your main destination country. Tourist visas typically max out at 90 days, so longer stays require student, work, or other specific visa types.

Can I work on a tourist visa?

No. Tourist visas and visa-free travel prohibit work. You need a specific work visa or permit. Even freelance work for non-European clients can violate tourist visa terms.

What happens if I overstay my 90 days?

You can be banned from the Schengen Area for months or years, face fines, and have trouble with future visa applications. Exit immediately if you're close to overstaying.

How to Get Your First Visa for Europe

Most US citizens don't need a visa for short trips to Europe—just a valid passport for stays under 90 days in the Schengen Area. Check if your specific country requires a visa, ensure your passport has 6+ months validity, and consider travel insurance since it's sometimes required at border control.

Check if you actually need a visa. US, Canadian, Australian, and UK citizens can visit most European countries for up to 90 days without a visa. Look up your specific citizenship and destination country. The Schengen Area (26 countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain) shares this 90-day rule.
Verify your passport validity. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date. Many European countries won't let you in with less. If your passport expires soon, renew it first—this takes 6-11 weeks for routine processing in the US.
Calculate your 90-day window. The 90-day rule applies to any 180-day period in the Schengen Area. If you spent 30 days in Europe last spring, you have 60 days left to use before that original entry date + 180 days. Use the Schengen calculator online to check your remaining days.
Apply for a Schengen visa if required. If you need a visa, apply at the consulate of your main destination country, or first entry point if visiting multiple countries. Book an appointment 3 months ahead (some consulates book up). Bring passport photos, travel insurance proof, flight bookings, and accommodation confirmations.
Prepare border control documents. Print your return flight confirmation, hotel bookings, and travel insurance policy. Border agents sometimes ask for proof you're leaving and can support yourself. Have about €50-100 cash equivalent per day as proof of funds.

Do I need a visa for the UK after Brexit?: No visa needed for US citizens visiting the UK for up to 6 months. The UK is no longer part of EU rules, so UK time doesn't count toward your 90-day Schengen limit.
What if I want to stay longer than 90 days?: You need a long-stay national visa or residence permit from your main destination country. Tourist visas typically max out at 90 days, so longer stays require student, work, or other specific visa types.
Can I work on a tourist visa?: No. Tourist visas and visa-free travel prohibit work. You need a specific work visa or permit. Even freelance work for non-European clients can violate tourist visa terms.
What happens if I overstay my 90 days?: You can be banned from the Schengen Area for months or years, face fines, and have trouble with future visa applications. Exit immediately if you're close to overstaying.